New iMac with M4 • Hacker News Board

Re: New iMac with M4

#301

Post by GeekyBear » Mon, Oct 28, 2024, 4:43 PM UTC

klodolph wrote: post #156

simonw wrote: post #144

As someone who mucks around with running LLMs and other large models on my computer the 32GB maximum RAM is a show-stopper for me. I'm on a M2 with 64GB at the moment and I'm already regretting not going for 96 or even 128. I want to be able to run a large model AND other apps at the same time.

Sure, but to be honest, I don’t think you should be shipping a high-spec computer with a built-in screen. Anything high-spec should be broken into at least a separate screen and computer. The screen is such a major point of failure. I’ve seen so many iMacs and MacBooks with broken screens where the end solution is to replace the entire device, which is a waste. It’s that much more of a waste if you are getting a high…

Exactly.

Someone who is looking to muck about with LLMs isn't looking to pay for a 4k screen that cannot be separated from a non-upgradeable PC.

If you're in the Apple ecosystem, you're going to want eithet a Mac Mini Pro or a Mac Studio, depending on where the RAM configurations on the Mac Mini Pro tops out. .

Re: New iMac with M4

#302

Post by fwip » Mon, Oct 28, 2024, 4:44 PM UTC

aqfamnzc wrote: post #252

baron816 wrote: post #48

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Now if only they could figure out how to allow charging the Magic Mouse while it’s being used. I guess that technology is still years away.

Putting the plug on the bottom is an intentional choice by Apple. It's because they don't want you to plug it in to charge, then never remember to unplug it. Mandatory wirelessness.

Makes sense, especially because it's more impressive/magic (especially when it was introduced) when your friend/family/coworker sees you using it. If the cable was plugged in, it might just look to them like a mundane, not Magic, mouse.

Re: New iMac with M4

#303

Post by jollyllama » Mon, Oct 28, 2024, 4:44 PM UTC

simonw wrote: post #144

As someone who mucks around with running LLMs and other large models on my computer the 32GB maximum RAM is a show-stopper for me. I'm on a M2 with 64GB at the moment and I'm already regretting not going for 96 or even 128. I want to be able to run a large model AND other apps at the same time.

Huh, is that a step backwards for them? iMacs from over 6 years ago were upgradeable to 64

Re: New iMac with M4

#304

Post by sleepybrett » Mon, Oct 28, 2024, 4:44 PM UTC

simonw wrote: post #144

As someone who mucks around with running LLMs and other large models on my computer the 32GB maximum RAM is a show-stopper for me. I'm on a M2 with 64GB at the moment and I'm already regretting not going for 96 or even 128. I want to be able to run a large model AND other apps at the same time.

why would you want an imac of all things for that? I suspect we are going to see m4 studios, which, given their current options, will support your rediculous ram requirements.

iMacs are, generally speaking, targeted for home users, normies.

Re: New iMac with M4

#305

Post by leptons » Mon, Oct 28, 2024, 4:44 PM UTC

aqfamnzc wrote: post #252

baron816 wrote: post #48

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Now if only they could figure out how to allow charging the Magic Mouse while it’s being used. I guess that technology is still years away.

Putting the plug on the bottom is an intentional choice by Apple. It's because they don't want you to plug it in to charge, then never remember to unplug it. Mandatory wirelessness.

I'd sooner believe it's because they want you to buy 2 of them, so you can charge one while using the other.

Re: New iMac with M4

#306

Post by ahofmann » Mon, Oct 28, 2024, 4:44 PM UTC

djoldman wrote: post #267

015a wrote: post #214

Earlier quoted context omitted.

We should do a "Most HackerNews HackerNews Comment Of The Year" award each year; in homage to the O.G. [1]. I'd like to nominate this comment. [1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9224

Hrm. My OG vote goes to: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=35079 > pg: That has to be the comeback of all time.

That was hilarious, thank you for posting this :-)

Re: New iMac with M4

#307

Post by robertoandred » Mon, Oct 28, 2024, 4:44 PM UTC

bhouston wrote: post #261

I guess it is just me, but I cannot stand working on small screens on the desktop. I will accept a small screen on a laptop because it is inconvenient carrying around something larger, but on a desktop, there is no reason to compromise. I use a 48" OLED with my MacBook Air M3 and for me that is a near ultimate web development experience both on desktop and when travelling: https://bsky.app/profile/benhouston3d.bsky.s…

Looking at pixelated text all day on a low-resolution monitor doesn't seem very ultimate to me.

Re: New iMac with M4

#308

Post by mixmastamyk » Mon, Oct 28, 2024, 4:45 PM UTC

ttul wrote: post #134

Note: The 24” iMac is never going to be the platform of choice for HackerNews readers.

With an M4 and 16gb+ ram it is more computer than anything I’ve ever owned. I write text files for a living. Might be able to limp along on a souped up 486, definitely a Pentium 90.

Re: New iMac with M4

#309

Post by madeofpalk » Mon, Oct 28, 2024, 4:45 PM UTC

bhouston wrote: post #289

madeofpalk wrote: post #270

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What's the actual resolution of this? The idea of using something with such low pixel density seems really painful to me.

It is 4K. I wish it was higher. But practically, I cannot find an affordable 6K OLED monitor. And 8K is both unaffordable as well as not supported by my MacBook Air: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/macbook-air/apd8cdd74f... . I do set my MacBook resolution to maximum and it works well.

So you value just the physical size of things, not being able to display more 'stuff'? For example, a 27" 5k (5120 x 2880) display will give you more space/resolution for stuff than a 4k 48" display.

I can't imagine how pleasent that would be, the display being so physically large with pixels the side of boulders. As long as it works for you, I guess! I'm with you in spirit though - I ditched dual monitors for an ultrawide and its now the only way I can work.

Re: New iMac with M4

#310

Post by dsv3099i » Mon, Oct 28, 2024, 4:45 PM UTC

jprd wrote: post #235

I love the innovation Apple has brought with their investment in ARM. That said, I can't imagine buying a computer in the 21st century that can't be opened and upgraded, especially with a price premium attached. I just don't get it. I am in no way trying to be combative, but I'd love to hear a counterpoint that makes sense for these machines.

My guess is the only reason to open and upgrade a computer is if one needs (or wants) to be on the bleeding edge of what local compute is capable of on a day to day basis. With the advent of cloud compute the number of use cases that meet that criteria shrinks every day. With the iMac there is a price premium but what the users is paying for is a computer that just gets out of their way. For them the computer is simply a means, not an end.